How to Survive a Tornado

Although they blow through in a matter of moments, tornadoes are responsible for an average of 80 deaths and 1,500 injuries a year. More than 800 tornadoes are reported each year, occurring all throughout the United States. Though more common in spring and summer months, twisters can happen in any season. Ripping through the country, leaving a trail of property damage and human casualties, a tornado isn’t a force of nature to be ill-prepared for or underestimated. Winds generated can be up to 300 miles per hour-packing enough force to hurl vehicles the length of a football field or to crush a home in seconds.

Unlike many other weather events, such as tropical storms or hurricanes, tornadoes don’t give us much warning. They can appear suddenly, directly over homes and towns. The average warning of about 18 minutes is quite minimal.

With a few moments notice, do you know the proper techniques to save yourself if a tornado is imminent?

Tornado Survival Tips:

Pay attention to weather reports. Tornadoes most often accompany severe thunderstorms. Any serious system moving toward your vicinity may have the potential to generate life-threatening tornadoes. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Tornado Watches are signs that a tornado may occur. Be ready for emergency action.

Some communities sound a siren when a tornado has been sighted in close proximity. If you hear this-seek shelter immediately!

Do not depend totally on weather service bulletins or community alarms to alert you, however. In the right conditions, funnel clouds can develop instantly. Keep your eyes open.

Look for dark or greenish sky, large sudden hail or rotating clouds.

Listen for a loud roar, similar to a freight train.

If a Tornado Warning is issued or there are signs of one approaching, immediately seek shelter.

If there is time, take a battery operated radio, local map, first aid kit, car keys and flashlight into your place of refuge with you. Optimally, this should be packed in advance and left in your storm shelter or easily accessible for emergencies. Use the map to track locations of the tornado as it approaches.

Find refuge in a basement, crawl space or windowless interior room on the ground floor. Windowless, first floor, interior bathrooms or closets are also good choices in lieu of basements.

Crouch low against the wall or in the bathtub. Protect your head and neck. You can use pillows, sofa cushions or a mattress for this purpose. Getting under heavy furniture is also advisable.

If a tornado does hit your home, shut your eyes, stay low and continue to protect your head while in your place of shelter. Don’t open doors or windows, go outdoors or attempt to outrun the tornado.

Stay in your place of shelter until the National Weather Service announces the warning has expired. Often tornadoes may occur in groups or clusters. Wait till it’s deemed safe.